This is not a waste of money. The scientific discoveries of NASA have propelled the US forward at a much greater rate than without these discoveries.
Best news in a long time - manned mission to Mars planned
by tootired2care 74 Replies latest social current
-
-
Jim_TX
I think James has hit on a big point. Right now, NASA does not even have the ability to send up a rocket of any sort to the ISS, nor the ability to send or retrieve astronauts there.
If it wasn't for companies like SpaceX and their Dragon, we (the USA) would not have ANY capability to reach the ISS. (YEAH!!! SpaceX!!)
...and we want to go to Mars? How? With what?
Whatever they build has to be tested - prior to the mission. By the time they finally get a vehicle ready for testing the ISS will be in the Atlantic somewhere, or burned up in the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, China will be colonizing the Moon.
-
james_woods
This is not a waste of money. The scientific discoveries of NASA have propelled the US forward at a much greater rate than without these discoveries.
That is quite true. It is possible that the personal computer would have been 10 to 20 years behind the historical dates if the Apollo program had not existed. However, the issue NOW is whether there is the political will (and in fact if there is even the available funds) to repeat such a program. I say that there is not - not at least in the foreseeable future.
-
rather be in hades
at the very least, we have somewhere to stash the governing body out of harm's way right? lol
in all seriosness, this is pretty cool and it would help in terms of resources here on earth. if some of the people here on earth move out there, that could definitely help with overcrowding and the problems that go along with it.
that said, they sholda been more ambitious and tried shooting for uranus...
:D someone had to do it
-
james_woods
Folks, if we want to keep this thread (which is a very interesting thread for people who like such things) on a reasonable basis:
First - let us recognize clearly and simply that any Mars mission proposed for the 21st century would be only exploratory. It would not be for the purpose of "colonization" nor would it pave the way for any kind of permanent human settlement on Mars. There is really only the wildest speculation - really, science fiction level speculation - that a human colony could ever be sustainable on such a hostile planet.
Is the value of discovery (for a manned mission) over that of robotic missions worth the enormous difference in expense? Would the new technology created or invented be worth part of the cost?
I say that the current political environment will say NO - especially in the current world economy.
-
botchtowersociety
This is an illusion at best. In reality, Obama cares nothing about NASA or the space mission.
I can't read the man's mind, but some of what he is doing will put space access on a sustainable footing for the future.
Yes, his muslim outreach seems like a stupid goal, but farming out launch services to companies like SpaceX and others will build a real commercial base and lower costs.
Do not forget that we have made absolutely no effort to create a viable manned orbital capability post-shuttle.
Who cares! The shuttle was an overly complicated design by committee clusterfuck. I remember seeing the Challenger break up overhead before my very eyes. The shock of it. I will never forget that day.
SpaceX and Orbital Sciences both now have resupply contracts to the ISS. Way cheaper than the SS, and, by creating this market, this will spur the development of cheaper, safer, orbital access. It should no longer be NASA's job to provide an orbital bus. That isn't new science or exploration. NASA's job is basic research. Let the private sector pick up the baton for basic launch services.
-
cyberjesus
Cedars: i thought you believed God would save us..
Waste of time? Why?
Oh by the way Mars is already a desolated wasteland....
-
tec
Never mind that it will likely not happen anywhere near that timeline... I think it is a great idea. Of all the things we waste money on, this would not be included among them, imo. I agree with those who said it does not need to be an either/or. Of course, that being said, I can totally understanding how some said it probably is best for us to concentrate on fixing the problems in THIS world, before we move on to another world. That way we do not discard one planet for another at some time down the road, or set such a pattern.
So there are many things to consider... some pro, some con. But in all, I find the prospect VERY exciting.
If a colony was setup on another planet, would this change your perspective about the bible/religion and god?
No.
Peace,
tammy
-
tec
To sum up my thoughts... I think the pros outweigh the cons; but of course I do not know all the variables.
Peace,
tammy
-
St George of England
Can I suggest 7 names for the first set of one-way tickets?
George